Articles written by Bob Bowers
Showing 1-100 of 105 Articles
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Using a Reverse Mortgage to Pay Off Home Loans
Reverse mortgages were designed to allow cash-strapped seniors a way to access equity in their homes. The program also can be used to pay off home loans and free up cash.
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The Panamá Restaurant in Mazatlán, Mexico
The coastal resort of Mazatlán is known for its shrimp and seafood. It's also home to the Panamá Restaurant and Pasteleria, where one can find the best pastries in town.
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The Pino Suárez Market in Mazatlán, Mexico
Unlike many other Mexican resorts, Mazatlán still reflects its historic heritage. The bustling market in the Viejo Mazatlán center seems unchanged after 110 years.
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The Shrimp Ladies of Mazatlán, Mexico's Old Town
Mazatlán is well-known for its sandy beaches and shrimp restaurants. Tourists can also cook their own shrimp, and the best place to buy them is from the shrimp ladies.
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Wild Chanterelle and Garlic Custard Appetizers
Wild chanterelles combine with heavy cream, garlic and eggs to make a mouth-watering custard.
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Birding Catalina State Park in Arizona
Catalina State Park lies just 25 miles north of downtown Tucson. Birding is great here any time of the year, but fall brings the added attraction of migratory birds.
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Drive the Backside Road to Mt. Lemmon's Top
The Catalina Highway is an easy 25-miles from Tucson to the peak of Mt. Lemmon. A rocky road from Oracle is more fun, but this bumpy ride is not for the family sedan.
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How to Make, Store and Use Hummingbird Food
Dry mix and liquid nectar are sold by bird shops and garden departments, but hummingbird food is a simple mixture of sugar and water, a cheap and easy home project.
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Which Kind of Hummingbird Feeder is Best?
When buying hummingbird feeders, consider the birds' needs first. Other considerations include cost and the convenience of filling and cleaning.
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Reviewing Three of the Best Hummingbird Feeders
When shopping for hummingbird feeders, the many choices can be confusing. Once the needs of the birds and the providers are considered, a good decision can be made.
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The Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary on Barbados
An internationally-designated wetland of importance on Barbados' south coast is home to a privately-funded center devoted to conservation and the island's environment.
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Efforts to Establish a National Park on Barbados
The Friends of Graeme Hall have worked hard to designate 240 acres on the south coast as a national park. In spite of wide public support, the government has yet to act.
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Popular Friday Fish Fry at Oistins on Barbados
Friendly Barbados, with island rum and sugar beaches, is a popular tourist destination. The best bargain, however, is the boisterous Friday night fish fry at Oistins.
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How to Sautée Fresh-Picked Chanterelle Mushrooms
Wild Chanterelles are abundant in Oregon, Washington and California in the fall. If sautéed soon after picking, they can be used immediately or frozen for later use.
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How to Pay for Goods and Services in Mexico
Although U.S. dollars are readily accepted by stores, restaurants and street vendors, there are far more economical ways to purchase items and services in Mexico.
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Where to Exchange Dollars for Pesos in Mexico
Travelers to Mexico can be confused by the many choices in exchanging money. Different rates, exchange fees, convenience and safety are all important considerations.
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Birding Peppersauce Canyon Near Tucson, Arizona
A Broad-winged Hawk spotted at Coronado National Forest Campground outside of Oracle, was a rare find, but this bird-rich site has long been popular with local birders.
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Birders Discover a Broad-winged Hawk in Arizona
A Tucson Audubon trip led by Doug Jenness found 50 species near Oracle, Arizona, on September 26, 2009. One of those, a Broad-winged Hawk, was far from its usual range.
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Where to Picnic on Mount Lemmon Near Tucson
Mt. Lemmon's Sky Island Byway winds 25 miles through 6 life zones and a 30 degree temperature drop. Visitors are treated to sweeping views and beautiful picnicking spots.
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A Day Trip From Tucson to the Top of Mt. Lemmon
The Sky Island Scenic Byway from Tucson to Summerhaven is an easy way to beat the desert heat, and to experience incredible and spectacular scenery along the way.
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Explore Mt. Lemmon's Life Zones Near Tucson
At 9,157 feet above sea level, Mt. Lemmon is a popular escape from Tucson's summer heat. It's a biology lesson as well, equivalent to driving from Mexico to Canada.
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Where to Camp on Mt. Lemmon Near Tucson, Arizona
Mountain forests of Ponderosa Pine lie just 25 miles from Tucson and the Sonora Desert. An hour's drive takes campers to pristine sites and a 30 degree temperature drop.
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Fishing the Lower Deschutes River via Kloan Road
Easy access to the lower 24 miles of the Deschutes River is only at the mouth. A cliff-hanging road is an alternative for those with the right vehicle and a lot of guts.
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Buying Fresh Shrimp on Mexico's West Coast
The Sea of Cortez and Mexico's west coast are renowned for their fresh seafood. The most sought after, and easily available to tourists, are camerones or shrimp.
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Where to Find Steelhead on the Lower Deschutes
The lower 15 miles of the Deschutes River are accessible to fishermen by hiking, biking or boating. Knowing where to fish this big river improves a fisherman's chances.
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The Birds of Las Barras de Piaxtla Near Mazatlan
La Meseta de Cacaxtla is a 125,000 acre natural reserve just an hour from Mazatlan. A small fishing village in the reserve offers estuary and tropical deciduous birding.
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Spin Fish for Steelhead on the Lower Deschutes
Summer steelhead are in the lower Deschutes River from July into December. Fly fishermen may be in the majority, but spin fishermen just might catch more fish.
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Which Spinners & Plugs for Deschutes' Steelhead?
Just 2 hours from Portland, the lower Deschutes River draws hundreds of fishermen in late summer. Those who spin fish do better with select lure choices and colors.
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Tips for Steelhead Fishing the Lower Deschutes
From July into December, summer steelhead pour into the lower Deschutes River 2 hours from Portland. Proper preparation will insure a safe and rewarding experience.
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Summer Birding at the Keystone Ski Resort Area
Keystone is well known for winter sports, but it's a great summer destination for fishing, mountain biking and hiking, too. Birders will also find it worth their time.
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Birds and Wildflowers on Shrine Ridge Trail
The Shrine Ridge Trail is a moderate 4.8 mile round trip that climbs almost 900 feet to 11,905 feet. Summer wildflowers, birds and sweeping views reward the hiker.
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Wildflowers & Birds at Lily Pad Lakes, Colorado
Mountainous Summit County's Silverthorne is just 35 miles from Denver. It's a gateway to high country hiking, and the Lily Pad Lakes are practically in the city limits.
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Petroglyphs at Playa las Labradas near Mazatlan
La Meseta de Cacaxtla is a 125,000 acre natural reserve 30 miles north of Mazatlan, Mexico. The preserve is also home to some 300 Toltec petroglyphs on a public beach.
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La Rosa at Barras de Piaxtla in Sinaloa, Mexico
La Rosa de Las Barras, just 35 miles from Mazatlan, is a getaway alternative to the busy Pacific coast resort. Kayaking, bird-watching and bicycling are the focus here.
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Mt. Evans and Goliath Natural Area in Colorado
The Mt. Evans Scenic Byway is a 14 mile drive to the 14,264-foot summit of Mt. Evans. The route includes pristine lakes, Bristlecone pines, flowers and lots of wildlife.
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Visiting Echo Lake Near Idaho Springs, Colorado
Clear Creek County Highway 103 from Idaho Springs leads to Highway 5, the highest road in North America. On the way, it passes Echo Lake, a cool spot to spend the day.
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The Wildflowers & Birds of McCullough Gulch
An hour's drive from Denver, Summit County offers multiple high mountain hiking opportunities. McCullough Gulch, under Quandary Peak, has cascades, flowers and birds.
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Ride the Chairlift for Free at Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain, one of Summit County, Colorado's 4 ski resorts, offers free daily chairlift rides to 11,375 feet. Bikes can be taken for $15, and lunch is available.
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Wildflowers & Birds on Loveland Pass Loop Trail
At 12,000 feet, Loveland Pass in Summit County is a lofty spot to begin a hike. An optional 3 mile loop trail from the pass crosses a basin full of wildflowers and birds.
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Hiking the West Loveland Pass Trail as a Loop
Summit County, Colorado is known for its hiking trails. From 12,000 feet, the west Loveland pass trail can be turned into a cross-country loop crossing a beautiful basin.
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Keystone, Colorado's Bluegrass & Beer Festival
Keystone, a ski resort near Denver, Colorado, is a popular summer destination for outdoor lovers, too. Thousands are also drawn to the annual Bluegrass & Beer Festival.
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Fisher Towers Recreation Area Near Moab, Utah
Arches and Canyonlands National Parks draw many tourists to Moab, Utah. The nearby Colorado river area holds scenic wonders, as well, like the photogenic Fisher Towers.
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Explore Onion Creek Canyon Near Moab, Utah
Moab is central to exploring nearby Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. The nearby river recreation area, including Onion Creek, offers scenery rivaling the parks.
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Photograph Birds & Flowers in Malinalco, Mexico
Malinalco, in the state of Mexico, is nestled in the mountains. Off the beaten track, it is worth visiting for many reasons, including its colorful birds and trees.
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Bird Lower Cataract Lake Near Denver, Colorado
An hour from Denver, Summit County is a skier's paradise. In summer, this lake and river-rich high country is an ideal place to look for resident and migratory birds.
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Aztec Archeological Site at Malinalco, Mexico
Nestled in the mountains 80 miles from Mexico City, Malinalco is a tranquil getaway. The 500 year-old monuments high above the village are a special reason to visit.
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Hiking Jack's Peak in Monterey, California
Historic Monterey, California, draws tourists from around the world. Jack's Peak, an urban park set on the area's highest point, is a perfect place to escape the crowds.
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Elkhorn Slough Safari Tour at Monterey Bay
The Monterey Bay, California area brims with tourist attractions. One of the most popular, the Elkhorn Slough Safari, caters to photographers, birders and nature lovers.
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The Boojum Tree Forests of Baja California
Weird 50-foot trees grow like inverted carrots along more than 200 miles of the state of Baja California, attracting plant-loving tourists and photographers.
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Vacation in San Carlos and Guaymas, Mexico
San Carlos and Guaymas lie 12 miles apart on Mexico's Sea of Cortez. Just 320 miles from Arizona, this twin vacation destination provides countless tourist activities.
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Using Garmin GPS With Navigator Card in Mexico
Using a GPS in Mexico with a pre-programmed, not updateable navigator card shows mixed results. In balance, though, the advantages far outweigh the shortcomings.
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The Beaches And Parks Along Oregon's Highway 101
Highway 101 parallels the Oregon coast for nearly 400 miles, through some of the state's most glorious scenery. Dozens of public beaches and state parks line the way.
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Whale Watching in the Lagoons of Baja California
Gray whales migrate south each winter to give birth in the shallow lagoons of Baja California. Visitors can tour the lagoons and see these magnificent mammals up close.
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Is Scuba Diving in Cuba on America's Horizon?
With new overtures between the U.S. and Cuba, travel restrictions may soon be lifted. If so, U.S. divers will want to experience some of the Caribbean's best dive sites.
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Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort In Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of Central America's most popular destinations. At the foot of Arenal volcano, Tabacón Grand Spa Resort is a great place to unwind for a day or a week.
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Club Med's Turkoise Village in Turks and Caicos
Provodenciales, the tourist center of Turks & Caicos, has stunning sugar-white beaches. Club Med is one way for adult only tourists to enjoy this Caribbean paradise.
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Facilitate U.S. Inspection Returning From Mexico
The probability of a time-consuming inspection at the Mexico/U.S. border is higher with increased security. Proper preparation will reduce those odds and ease the stress.
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Delays When Entering the U.S. From Mexico By Car
Returning to the U.S. by auto from Mexico can be frustrating and time-consuming, with long lines at the border. Some pre-planning can cut the time and reduce the stress.
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The Mount Gay Rum Visitor Center On Barbados
Barbados, the easternmost Caribbean island, is home to friendly life-loving Bajans. Mount Gay Rum's popular tour is a good introduction to the island's best-known export.
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Driving From Tucson To San Carlos, Mexico
For land-locked Arizonans, the white sand beaches and rocky bays of San Carlos and Guaymas are irresistable. Just 325 miles from Tucson, both are easily reached by car.
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Kayaking San Carlos in Sonora, Mexico
Sitting on The Sea of Cortez, San Carlos offers tourists abundant reasons to visit. Multiple bays, coves and open water provide excellent kayaking for all skill levels.
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Visit La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica
La Selva Biological Station, operated by the Organization for Tropical Studies, hosts scientists from around the world. It also offers ecotourists a remarkable vacation.
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Birding Great Falls Park in Virginia
Half an hour from Washington, DC and Alexandria, Virginia, Great Falls Park is a close-in nature haven on the Potomac. 160 species make it a premier birding site as well.
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The Mexican Free-Tail Bats of Austin, Texas
750,000 pregnant Mexican free-tail bats arrive in Austin in March and give birth in June. Their spectacular nightly emergence draws droves of tourists through October.
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Driving In Mexico-Stop Signs and Traffic Signals
Traffic signals and stop signs in Mexico don't always have the same meaning as in the U.S. or Canada. Tourists should learn the differences before driving.
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Birding The Baker Sanctuary Near Austin, Texas
The Texas Hill Country provides some of the best scenery in the state. It's also home to hundreds of bird species, and the Audubon's Baker Sanctuary is one premier site.
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Birding Lost Maples State Natural Area in Texas
Lost Maples State Natural Area is best known for spectacular fall color in late October and early November. Spring, however, can be equally rewarding to park birders.
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Birding the Overland Park Arboretum in Kansas
The Overland Park Arboretum showcases multiple gardens in a 300 acre wooded riparian area. More than 200 species of resident and migratory birds are found there as well.
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Finding The Golden-Cheeked Warbler In Texas
The Golden-cheeked warbler breeds in a limited U. S. habitat found only in the Texas hill country. Spring birders can find them at sites west and south of Austin.
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Tour The Texas Bluebonnet Country Near Dallas
Each spring, Texas wildflowers thrive along the highways between Dallas and San Antonio. The state flower, the Texas Bluebonnet, is the most spectacular and prolific.
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Essential and Useful Gear for Birding Mexico
Birdng is always more productive and enjoyable with the right equipment. If you are headed south of the border, proper preparation is even more important.
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Spend A Day At Great Falls Park In Virginia
Great Falls Park, only an hour's drive from Washington, DC, provides picnicking, hiking, and guided nature walks in a spectacular setting of Potomac River waterfalls.
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Preparation Tips For Driving In Mexico
Although driving in Mexico can be stressful, proper preparation and planning will make the trip safer and more enjoyable.
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Coping With Topes While Driving In Mexico
Mexico's ubiquitous topes (speed bumps) effectively control speeding in small towns. To avoid surprises and possible damage to their car, tourists should learn to cope.
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Mexican Toll Roads Better Choice Than Libres
Increasingly, Mexico is adding toll roads across the country to provide higher speed alternatives to older roads. Choosing these roads is well worth the cost of tolls.
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Spring Birding Devil's Den State Park, Arkansas
Devil's Den State Park lies at 1,100 feet along Lee Creek. Early April is the perfect time to observe the park's many birds and photograph blooming Redbud and Dogwood.
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Birding Oro Valley, Arizona's, Honeybee Canyon
Suburban park just twenty miles north of downtown Tucson in Oro Valley provides an easy family-friendly trail that includes Hohokam owl petroglyphs as well as live owls.
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English Translation of Mexican Road Signs M-Z
While some Mexican road signs are easily interpreted, others are less clear. Knowing precisely what they mean improves safety and reduces driver stress.
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English Translation of Mexican Road Signs A-L
While some Mexican road signs are understandable, others are less clear. Knowing precisely what they mean improves safety and reduces driver stress.
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Birding San Pablo Etla Near Oaxaca, Mexico
The area around Oaxaca is known for great birding, in addition to unique crafts and archeology. Nearby villages like San Pablo Etla offer remarkable birding as well.
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Tour Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Preserve
Millions of Monarch butterflies migrate to the mountain forests of central Mexico every winter. Four sanctuaries provide public access and an unforgettable experience.
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Birding Mexico's El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary
El Rosario Sanctuary, in Mexico's state of Michoacan, is a premier place to observe migrating Monarch butterflies. The sanctuary also offers incredibly good birding.
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Winter Birding Around Patzcuaro, Mexico
Patzcuaro lies at 7,500 feet in central Mexico. The surrounding area, ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 feet, provides a diversity of resident and migratory bird species.
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Winter Birding Near San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende, an historic colonial city in Guanajuato, is a good locale for touring birders. Several other nearby locations offer birders added reason to visit.
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Winter Birding in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
San Miguel de Allende has long attracted North American artists, retirees and tourists. Excellent birding also can be found in the city's arroyos, hillsides and parks.
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Birding Mazatlan, Mexico's Emerald Bay Road
Mazatlan, in the state of Sinaloa, is a popular tourist destination on the Pacific Ocean. In addition to a warm climate and sunny beaches, it also offers great birding.
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Birding La Manzanilla Near Manzanillo, Mexico
Like other bustling Mexican tourist destinations such as Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo is close to peaceful nearby birding. One great site is La Manzanilla.
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Sunday Birding With San Miguel Audubon Society
San Miguel de Allende, a beautiful colonial city in central Mexico, is home to many North Americans. An Audubon chapter fills a need for local and visiting birders.
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Birding San Sebastian Near Puerto Vallarta
San Sebastian is a 200 year old silver mining town in the mountains east of Puerto Vallarta. An hour from the bustling resort, one finds serenity and terrific birding.
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San Sebastian del Oeste Near Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's most popular, and busy, tourist destinations. However, the crowds of Puerto Vallarta can be forgotten in Peaceful San Sebastian.
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Birding La Bajada Near San Blas, Mexico
San Blas, on the Pacific coast between Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, is a well-known birding destination. One of the better nearby spots is the village of La Bajada.
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Birding the Road to Marmol Near Mazatlan
Mazatlan, Mexico, a destination for sun-loving tourists, also attracts birders headed to the Sierra Madre. However, worthwhile birding can also be found much closer.
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Birding Mazatlan's Sabalo-Cerritos Area
Ponds across from northern Mazatlan's Cerritos area condominium complex are well worth a birder's visit. Surprising birds are observable from a sidewalk or a bus route.
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Birding Cacaxtla Preserve Near Mazatlan
Just thirty miles north of Mazatlan, Mexico, the 125,000 acre Meseta de Cacaxtla provides a broad mix of shore birds, tropical deciduous forest birds and migrants.
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2008 Christmas Bird Count At Estero Del Yugo
Estero del Yugo, a 27 acre protected estuary in the northern Cerritos Beach area of Mazatlan, offers great birding at Christmas or any other time of the year.
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Friday Morning Bird Walks In Catalina State Park
From mid-October through April, Catalina State Park provides free guided bird walks every Friday morning. Expert guide Denis Wright leads these bird-rich outings.
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Hike Arizona's Oracle Park Granite Overlook
A relatively easy, two mile loop hike 35 miles north of Tucson, Arizona, provides exercise, birding and geology in an uncrowded, spectacular setting.
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Preparing and Cooking Wild Chanterelle Mushrooms
The most popular chanterelles, the Golden and White species, are abundant in west coast conifer forests in late summer and fall, and they are a culinary treat.
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Western Chanterelle Mushrooms
There are many popular and delicious mushrooms found on the west coast. One of the easiest to identify and most savory is the Cantharellus genus, or chanterelles.
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Where to Find Chanterelles Along Oregon's Coast
Oregon's beautiful coastal mountain range offers spectacular waterfalls and countless hiking trails. In the autumn, one can also find edible Golden chanterelles.
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